A bizarre social media trend known as #GoblinCore sees Gen Z users dress up as elves, cavort in nature and collect ‘mystical’ talismans as they mimic fantasy characters.
The viral social media aesthetic, which boasts 522 million views on TikTok, is believed to have first originated on the platform Tumblr some years ago, but has boomed in recent months after lockdown resulted in people becoming more accustomed to their own ‘nests’ and less taken by societal norms.
Related to the romantic way of life, #CottageCore, which went viral in 2020, Goblin Core is the muckier little brother that has no holds barred when it comes to dirt and messy interiors, but still holds dear the whimsical notes of magic.
Taking notes from the mythical creatures themselves, Goblins, participants pride themselves on their slightly chaotic nature and DIY attitude to crafts, and can often be found hoarding animal teeth, twigs, stones and crystals.
Tiktok user @froggiecrocs, who has over 90,000 followers, is a keen member of the #GoblinCore community. Participants pride themselves on their slightly chaotic nature, a DIY attitude to crafts, hoarding animal teeth, twigs, stones and crystals
One TikTok user shows off a sculpture creation he made. Creating is important in #GoblinCore and his uses moss which is another much used material
Meanwhile, the fashion, although varied within the aesthetic itself, contains multiple toadstool-adorned outfits, moss, fake elf ears, large freckles, old boots and dark natural hues.
The concept derives from the idea that there’s beauty in raw nature and highlights the importance of not caring what the outside world thinks.
Previous trends such as Cottage Core focus heavily on the visuals and are fluffier, prettier and more pleasing to the eye, while Goblin Core ideologies run much deeper.
It’s anti-minimalist in its essence, so much so that hoarding is actually encouraged. This includes finding and keeping trinkets of natural life (animal teeth, bones, flowers, mushrooms) and repurposing them as goblin-esque gifts and decorations rather than buying mass produced, ‘pretty things’.
Freckled Zelda plays her Ocarina instrument on TikTok, a musical flute that creates long whimsical notes and is favoured by the community
Freckled Zelda poses on Instagram with her Ocarina and elf ears which are often used as accessories within the community
Instagram creator, @halflingcrochet, uses her talents to fashion crochet hats into mushrooms – a popular fashion choice in the community
Tiktoker @flissyy frolics through the forest with her sister. Getting grubby with nature is at the very core of this ‘Goblin’ community
TikToker, @busbodega, lives a goblin core nomad lifestyle. Despite the whimsical appearance, the focal point is far more attuned to the realistic notion of getting grubby, being eclectic and not being fussy about purity
Despite the whimsical appearance, the focal point is far more attuned to the realistic notion of getting grubby, being eclectic and not caring about purity.
Most boast an anti-consumerist viewpoint and prefer to obtain beauty from unique natural places that aren’t a burden on the environment.
Despite the maximalist approach, the ‘stuff’ (referred to as ‘shinies’) amassed while collecting Goblin-esque items isn’t solely based on hoarding. Instead, everything has a story of importance, use or is simply a token of a childlike appreciation for nature.
This can be seen especially with the trinkets collected for witchcraft purposes, a practise that’s closely linked to the #GoblinCore community.
As Tiktoker, @froggiecrocs simply puts it, the trend “romanticises the ugly, lesser appreciated parts of the natural world.”
Hoarding is encouraged, as is finding and keeping trinkets of natural life (animal teeth, bones, flowers, mushrooms) and repurposing them as goblin-esque gifts and decorations rather than buying mass produced, ‘pretty things’
Goblin Core participant Cassie Dao posts a picture on instagram with elvin ears and a wistful look.
Instagram user, @p1xie.e frolics in a field while sporting goblincore fashion. Most of the trends followers are deeply committed to being anti-consumerist and source ethical clothing
The post Goblincore: The magical aesthetic that’s taking over TikTok appeared first on Sound Health and Lasting Wealth.
Original Article
